Express: Reds on verge of sensational deal

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

AC Milan are moving for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United target Jackson Martinez as they prepare to let Mario Balotelli join Liverpool.

Liverpool are currently in talks over a permanent move for Balotelli after negotiations about a loan move fell through late last night.

And reports in Italy suggest that a deal is edging towards completion with Milan already closing in on a replacement.

Indeed, Balotelli has reportedly told teammates this is his last day at the club and a £17.5m fee is all-but agreed.

Martinez has been heavily linked with a move to England this summer with Arsenal, Chelsea and United all credited with an interest.

But it seems that Milan could beat the trio to the Colombian striker having seen Balotelli head back to England.

Milan are said to have offered Porto £3.2m for an initial loan move that would be made into a permanent deal worth a further £17.6m over three years.

That offer falls substantially short of the player's £24m release clause and it is believed that Porto are not ready to accept Milan's opening bid.

Porto are concerned that they would not have enough time to find a suitable replacement before the end of the transfer window particularly if they make it through to the group stages of the Champions League.

However, it seems only a matter of time before Martinez is on his way to Serie A with Balotelli set for a spectacular return to the Premier League.